Geneva-based manufacturer Czapek & Cie. is expanding its Antarctique Passage de Drake sports watch collection with two new variants. The model now appears with a dial in the ice blue “Glacier Blue” or in Salmon. According to Czapek, these colors were frequently requested by collectors, which is why the manufacture finally decided to include them in the collection. In addition to the dial with special three-dimensional embossing, the two watches feature an in-house movement whose construction is inspired by historical pocket watches.
The case measures 40.5 mm in diameter with a height of 10.6 mm. It consists of stainless steel and has a brushed surface. A box sapphire crystal is set into the polished bezel to protect the dial. On the back, however, the same material allows a view of the mechanics. The buyer can also have a personal inscription added here on request. Meanwhile, the screw-down crown on the side enables water resistance up to 120 meters.
New are the two dial variants Glacier Blue and Drake Salmon for the Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake. The latter salmon coloured watch is a limited edition of 99 pieces. However, both bear the characteristic “Stairway to Eternity” pattern, consisting of a three-dimensional embossing. While the salmon colour comes about through galvanic processes, the blue is the result of a PVD treatment. The brand, however, does not manufacture the dials in-house, but sources them from the Swiss supplier Metalem. On the dial itself, three hands tell the time with the help of applied indices with luminous coating.
Optionally, the double index at 12 o’clock can be exchanged for an Arabic “12”. Further, the second hand also appears in three different variants: All silver, silver with red tip or all red. At 6 o’clock, there is a date window, whose disc appears tone-in-tone to the dial.
Inside the Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake is the in-house caliber SXH5. This is the first movement designed and developed by the brand itself. Among the standout features is the automatic winding via a micro-rotor consisting of recycled platinum. This enables an unobstructed view of the seven bridges, whose design stems from pocket watches of the 19th century. Another prominent element is the mainspring barrel, which can store energy for up to 60 hours of operation. Last but not least, the manufacture finalizes its movement with a sandblasted black finish and hand-beveled edges.
The watch appears on an integrated stainless steel bracelet, which is available with either polished C-links or a full matte finish. The bracelet also offers a fine adjustment system. Moreover, the wearer can easily swap it for the included extra strap without any tools. Czapek is releasing the Antarctique Passage de Drake now but the manufacture assumes a waiting time of about 6 months. In addition, the Salmon variant is a limited edition of 99 pieces. The price for both of the watches is 22,600 euros.
